As more girls appear to be starting their periods younger than ever before, scientists may have discovered why.
A study published in May in the JAMA Network Open journal revealed that the average age of menstruation for women born between 1950 and 1969 was 12-and-a-half years old.
However, for those born between 2000 and 2005, the average age dropped to 11.9 years.
The Harvard University researchers behind the study noted a significant increase in the number of girls beginning their periods before the age of 11, rising from 8.6% to 15.5%.
Although the percentage of girls starting their periods before the age of nine remains low, it has more than doubled, from 0.6% to 1.4%.
A recent report highlighted the emotional toll menstruation can take on teenagers.
According to a survey conducted by the women’s reproductive health charity Wellbeing of Women, 11% of UK teenage girls felt that their periods made life feel unbearable.
The survey of 3,000 girls aged 12 to 18 also found that 20% were left bed-bound by their periods, and 43% struggled to eat or sleep during menstruation.
More concerning still, the Harvard study found that early menstruation is linked to several adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, miscarriage, and even premature death.
Researchers point to several factors that could be contributing to this trend of periods occurring at a younger age.
These factors include childhood obesity, diet, psychological stress, and environmental factors such as endocrine-disrupting chemicals and air pollution.
Dr. Tania Adib, a consultant gynecologist at the Lister Hospital in London, attributes the earlier onset of menstruation primarily to changes in diet and nutrition.
"People are consuming more calories and generally eating more, leading to higher rates of obesity," she explained, per the Daily Mail.
"Fat tissue produces the hormone estrogen, which can trigger the pituitary gland to start the menstrual cycle earlier."
However, diet alone doesn’t explain every case.
Dr. Adib suggests that environmental chemicals, such as phthalates or bisphenol-A, which are found in plastics, furniture, and cosmetics, might also play a role due to their estrogen-like effects.
Genetics is another significant factor. Dr. Shazia Malik, a consultant gynecologist and UK Medical Director of gynecological health company DAYE explained: "Mothers who started their periods early often have daughters who do the same, due to genetic influences that signal the release of sex hormones earlier than usual."
Dr. Adib emphasizes the importance of preparing young girls for menstruation, especially since it can be traumatic for those who start in primary school before they’re mentally ready.
"Bleeding at such a young age can be distressing. Girls aged nine are often not mature enough to handle these bodily changes," she noted.
Dr. Adib pointed out that options such as mefenamic acid, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can also help manage painful periods.
In more severe cases, doctors may consider the contraceptive pill, though it is often prescribed with caution due to potential side effects, including depression and psychological issues in younger girls.
Dr. Malik advised against using the contraceptive pill as a first line of defense due to its associated risks, such as blood clots, weight gain, and mood changes.
"It’s crucial to discuss these risks with a healthcare provider before starting the pill, especially with very young girls," she said.
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